{{Short description|Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh (born 1958)}} {{Use British English|date=May 2022}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Vinai Kumar Saxena | native_name = | image = Vinai Kumar Saxena (cropped).jpg | caption = Official portrait, 2023 | office = 4th Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh | term_start = 6 March 2026 | predecessor = Kavinder Gupta | office1 = Lieutenant Governor of Delhi | term_start1 = 26 May 2022 | term_end1 = 6 March 2026 | predecessor1 = Anil Baijal | successor1 = Taranjit Singh Sandhu | 1blankname1 = Chief Minister | 1namedata1 = Arvind Kejriwal (2022–2024)<br />Atishi Marlena (2024–2025)<br />Rekha Gupta (2025–) | office2 = Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission | term_start2 = 25 October 2015 | term_end2 = 23 May 2022 | predecessor2 = Arun Kumar Jha | successor2 = Manoj Kumar | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1958|03|23|df=y}} | birth_place = Banda, Uttar Pradesh, India | party = Independent | spouse = Sangita Saxena<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-lt-governor-arvind-kejriwal-meet-amid-tussle-3720992|title=Delhi Lt Governor, Arvind Kejriwal Meet Amid Tussle|website=ndtv.com|publisher=NDTV News|location=New Delhi|date=25 January 2023|access-date=26 January 2023|agency=Asian News International|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127210533/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-lt-governor-arvind-kejriwal-meet-amid-tussle-3720992|archive-date=27 January 2023}}</ref> | alma_mater = Kanpur University<ref name="CNBC"/> | president = Droupadi Murmu | honorific_prefix = | honorific_suffix = | website = | occupation = {{hlist|Business executive|activist}} | children = 2 }}
'''Vinai Kumar Saxena''' (born 23 March 1958) is an Indian business executive who is currently serving as the 4th Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh since 2026. He previously served as the 22nd Lieutenant Governor of Delhi from 2022 to 2026.<ref name="telegraphindia" /> He previously served as chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission from 2015 to 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nsut.ac.in/en/chancellor-nsut|title=Chancellor, NSUT|archive-date=1 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201213137/http://nsut.ac.in/en/chancellor-nsut|website=nsut.ac.in|publisher=Netaji Subhas University of Technology|access-date=8 October 2023}}</ref> He also served as the president of Kumarappa National Handmade Paper Institute.<ref name="KNHPI">{{cite web |date=2018 |title=President's profile — Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena |url=https://www.knhpi.org.in/president-profile.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215182128/https://www.knhpi.org.in/president-profile.php |archive-date=15 December 2019 |access-date=26 September 2022 |website=knhpi.org |publisher=Kumarappa National Handmade Paper Institute |location=Delhi}}</ref>
His tenure as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi has been marred by allegations of partisanship, undue indulgences, and persistent interference in the administrative functions of the elected Delhi Government. Such criticisms have been amplified by his long-standing admiration for and association with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose party, the BJP, has remained at loggerheads with the Aam Aadmi Party, its principal opposition that governed Delhi until early 2025.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-02-16 |title=LG VK Saxena obstructing government's work: AAP legal cell |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/lg-vk-saxena-obstructing-governments-work-aap-legal-cell/articleshow/97959162.cms |access-date=2025-11-13 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena stalling implementation of Solar Policy: Atishi |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/delhi/delhi-lt-governor-v-k-saxena-stalling-implementation-of-solar-policy-atishi-595434/ |access-date=2025-11-13 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}</ref>
== Early life and education == Saxena was born on 23 March 1958 in Banda district of Uttar Pradesh.<ref name="Profile">{{cite web|url=https://lg.delhi.gov.in/lg-profile|title=Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena — The Lieutenant Governor|website=lg.delhi.gov.in|publisher=The lieutenant Governor of Delhi|access-date=3 August 2023|location=New Delhi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803083641/https://lg.delhi.gov.in/lg-profile|archive-date=3 August 2023}}</ref> In 1975, he founded a student union within his institution, Mardhan Singh Inter College in Talbehat, Lalitpur, and was later elected its general secretary.<ref name="CNBC">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/politics/inai-kumar-saxena-the-new-l-g-of-delhi-had-opposed-medha-patkar-over-narmada-project-13593562.htm/amp|title=Vinai Kumar Saxena, the new L-G of Delhi, had opposed Medha Patkar over Narmada project|first=Sudarsanan|last=Mani|date=24 May 2022|access-date=25 February 2023|website=cnbctv18.com|publisher=CNBC Television|archive-date=3 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803164523/https://www.cnbctv18.com/politics/inai-kumar-saxena-the-new-l-g-of-delhi-had-opposed-medha-patkar-over-narmada-project-13593562.htm/amp}}</ref> In 1981, he graduated from Kanpur University. He holds a pilot license.<ref name="Profile"/>
== Earlier career == Saxena began his professional career as an assistant officer in J.K. Group of companies in Rajasthan.<ref name="Profile"/> He was eventually appointed the general manager of the group.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/education/gk-update/vinay-kumar-saxena-biography-in-hindi/articleshow/91764771.cms|title=जानिए कितने पढ़े-लिखे हैं दिल्ली के नए एलजी विनय सक्सेना...|trans-title=Know how educated and experienced Delhi's new LG Vinay Saxena is...|language=hi|date=24 May 2022|access-date=26 June 2023|first=Neha|last=Upadhaya|website=navbharattimes.indiatimes.com|publisher=The Navbharat Times|location=New Delhi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626033202/https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/education/gk-update/vinay-kumar-saxena-biography-in-hindi/articleshow/91764771.cms|archive-date=26 June 2022}}</ref><ref name="Profile"/> Saxena later went on to become the CEO and director of the Dholera Port Project in Dholera.<ref name="Rediff">{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/v-k-saxenas-road-to-delhi-lg-via-gujarat/20220603.htm|title=V. K. Saxena's Road To Delhi LG via Gujarat|date=3 June 2022|access-date=26 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241106143302/https://www.rediff.com/news/report/v-k-saxenas-road-to-delhi-lg-via-gujarat/20220603.htm|archive-date=6 November 2024|first1=Aditi|last1=Phadnis|work=Rediff News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/gandhinagar/hailed-as-indias-singapore-dholera-dressed-up-and-waiting-8609294/|website=The Indian Express|title=Hailed as 'India's Singapore': Dholera, dressed up and waiting|date=15 May 2023|access-date=26 June 2023|first=Avinash|last=Nair|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608044922/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/gandhinagar/hailed-as-indias-singapore-dholera-dressed-up-and-waiting-8609294/|archive-date=8 June 2023}}</ref> He also led the construction of concrete gravity dam of the Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP) with the backing of the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited.<ref name="Delhi Gov"/>
===National Council for Civil Liberties of India=== In 1991, he started the National Council for Civil Liberties of India (NCCL), an NGO headquartered in Ahmedabad.<ref name="CNBC"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Delhi gets new LG: Who is Vinai Kumar Saxena?|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/delhi-gets-new-lg-who-is-vinai-kumar-saxena20220523214415/|website=aninews.com|publisher=Asian News International|location=New Delhi|access-date=28 November 2022|archive-date=17 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220817153458/https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/delhi-gets-new-lg-who-is-vinai-kumar-saxena20220523214415/}}</ref> His organisation opposed Medha Patkar and the Narmada Bachao Andolan, an environmental initiative aimed at the ecological preservation and prevention of the displacement of thousands of people owing to the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Project in Gujarat, and other upcoming hydro projects on Narmada Valley.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 March 2023 |title=AAP's 'proof' in Medha Patkar assault case: 'Should he remain Delhi L-G?' |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/aaps-proof-in-medha-patkar-assault-case-should-he-remain-delhi-lg-101678969661611-amp.html |website=hindustantimes.com |publisher=The Hindustan Times |access-date=26 April 2023 |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405021137/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/aaps-proof-in-medha-patkar-assault-case-should-he-remain-delhi-lg-101678969661611-amp.html }}</ref><ref name="Delhi Gov">{{cite web|url=https://delhi.gov.in/lt-governor-office|title=Govt of Delhi: Lt. Governor office — Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena (The Lieutenant Governor)|website=delhi.gov.in|publisher=Government of Delhi|access-date=3 August 2023|location=New Delhi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803115942/https://delhi.gov.in/lt-governor-office|archive-date=3 August 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-10 |title=FIR against social activist Medha Patkar in Madhya Pradesh |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/bhopal-news/fir-against-social-activist-medha-patkar-in-madhya-pradesh-101657472253674.html |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=17 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117040447/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/bhopal-news/fir-against-social-activist-medha-patkar-in-madhya-pradesh-101657472253674.html }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-09-17 |title=A short history of the Sardar Sarovar Dam on river Narmada |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/research/a-short-history-of-the-sardar-sarovar-dam-on-river-narmada-4847807/ |access-date=2022-11-20 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=19 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019030049/https://indianexpress.com/article/research/a-short-history-of-the-sardar-sarovar-dam-on-river-narmada-4847807/ }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/cross-defamation-cases-court-issues-non-bailable-warrant-against-medha-patkar-4679624/lite/|title=Cross defamation cases: Court issues non-bailable warrant against Medha Patkar|date=29 May 2017|access-date=26 January 2023|agency=PTI|website=indianexpress.com|publisher=The Indian Express|archive-date=29 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170529152639/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/cross-defamation-cases-court-issues-non-bailable-warrant-against-medha-patkar-4679624/lite/}}</ref> A long-running criminal defamation case filed by Saxena in 2001 against Patkar culminated in her conviction by the Delhi Court on 24 May 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/india/court-convicts-activist-medha-patkar-in-defamation-case-filed-by-delhi-lg-v-k-saxena/articleshow/110400968.cms|title=Court convicts activist Medha Patkar in defamation case filed by Delhi LG V K Saxena|agency=Press Trust of India|date=24 May 2024|work=The Economic Times|access-date=1 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524131405/https://m.economictimes.com/news/india/court-convicts-activist-medha-patkar-in-defamation-case-filed-by-delhi-lg-v-k-saxena/articleshow/110400968.cms|location=New Delhi|archive-date=24 May 2024}}</ref> The court held Patkar guilty of defamation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://app.ecourts.gov.in/ecourt_mobile_encrypted_DC/display_pdf.php?filename=ZIIe%2Fe0AN94spfLXRdONYGpsCj2fFlYJbcTGl5J5E0G2AoZh6LLbJh4hlcICdQaz&caseno=jjnxpM%2FKeFpCOBNpVep%2BtojlXN%2Fm5%2B7Igus30dFXBiI%3D&cCode=9ZlIEp0G5VNxKgqa5ZA1kA%3D%3D&appFlag=&state_cd=DytSfGyRsIC664sNz2SgoA%3D%3D&dist_cd=3PM%2Be6%2FxchEBB9x1jMGwIw%3D%3D&court_code=9ZlIEp0G5VNxKgqa5ZA1kA%3D%3D&bilingual_flag=0|title=IN THE COURT OF SH. RAGHAV SHARMA, METROPOLITAN MAGISTRATE-06, SOUTH EAST DISTRICT, SAKET COURTS, NEW DELHI — V. K. SAXENA VS MEDHA PATKAR (CC NO: 613940/2016)|work=ecourts.gov.in|access-date=1 August 2024|archive-date=1 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240801143027/https://app.ecourts.gov.in/ecourt_mobile_encrypted_DC/display_pdf.php?filename=ZIIe%2Fe0AN94spfLXRdONYGpsCj2fFlYJbcTGl5J5E0G2AoZh6LLbJh4hlcICdQaz&caseno=jjnxpM%2FKeFpCOBNpVep%2BtojlXN%2Fm5%2B7Igus30dFXBiI%3D&cCode=9ZlIEp0G5VNxKgqa5ZA1kA%3D%3D&appFlag=&state_cd=DytSfGyRsIC664sNz2SgoA%3D%3D&dist_cd=3PM%2Be6%2FxchEBB9x1jMGwIw%3D%3D&court_code=9ZlIEp0G5VNxKgqa5ZA1kA%3D%3D&bilingual_flag=0}}</ref>
As president of the NCCL, he unsuccessfully petitioned the Gujarat High Court in 2011 against then-Governor of Gujarat Bw's appointment of retired judge Rameshchandra Amrut Mehta as Lokayukta, claiming a "breach of constitutional propriety" for "bypassing" the advice of the state's council of ministers, led by then–Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who would later, as Prime Minister, appoint him the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/delhis-new-lieutenant-general-vinai-kumar-saxena-fought-many-battles-for-his-second-home-state-gujarat/articleshow/91774258.cms|title=Delhi's new Lieutenant General Vinai Kumar Saxena fought many battles for his 'second home state' Gujarat|date=25 May 2022|access-date=26 November 2022|first=Anubhuti|last=Vishnoi|website=economictimes.com|agency=The Economic Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524194935/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/delhis-new-lieutenant-general-vinai-kumar-saxena-fought-many-battles-for-his-second-home-state-gujarat/articleshow/91774258.cms|archive-date=24 May 2022}}</ref><ref> {{cite news | title = Anna man is Gujarat Lokayukta| url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Anna-man-is-Gujarat-Lokayukta/articleshow/9753412.cms | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110909124128/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-27/ahmedabad/29935689_1_gujarat-hc-gujarat-high-court-chief-justice | url-status = live | archive-date = 9 September 2011 | work = The Times of India| date = 27 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Shah |first=Jumana |date=15 June 2011 |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_is-justice-ra-mehta-likely-to-be-appointed-gujarat-lok-ayukta_1555291 |title=Is Justice RA Mehta likely to be appointed Gujarat lok ayukta? |work=DNA India |access-date=12 April 2013 |archive-date=5 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005044427/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_is-justice-ra-mehta-likely-to-be-appointed-gujarat-lok-ayukta_1555291 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://in.news.yahoo.com/r-mehta-gujarat-lokayukta-111044463.html |title=R.A. Mehta is Gujarat Lokayukta — Yahoo! News India |publisher=In.news.yahoo.com |date=26 August 2011 |access-date=12 April 2013 |archive-date=13 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513125749/http://in.news.yahoo.com/r-mehta-gujarat-lokayukta-111044463.html }}</ref> However, in 2012, the appointment of the Lokayukta in Gujarat was upheld by multiple courts, including the Gujarat High Court and the Supreme Court of India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/setback-for-narendra-modi-gujarat-hc-upholds-lokayuktas-appointment/221825-37-64.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130105023557/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/setback-for-narendra-modi-gujarat-hc-upholds-lokayuktas-appointment/221825-37-64.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 January 2013 |title=Setback for Narendra Modi, Gujarat HC upholds Lokayukta's appointment|publisher=IBNLive.IN.com |date=18 January 2012 |access-date=7 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/gujarat-government-challenges-lokayukta-appointment-in-sc/222212-37-161.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715162826/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/gujarat-government-challenges-lokayukta-appointment-in-sc/222212-37-161.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 July 2014 |title=Gujarat government challenges Lokayukta appointment in SC|publisher=IBNLive.IN.com |date=19 January 2012 |access-date=7 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/supreme-court-upholds-gujarat-lokayukta-s-appointment-312160 |title=Supreme Court upholds Gujarat Lokayukta's appointment |publisher=NDTV |date=2 January 2013 |access-date=7 July 2014 |archive-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714212359/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/supreme-court-upholds-gujarat-lokayukta-s-appointment-312160 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tehelka.com/apex-court-upholds-justice-mehtas-appointment-as-gujarat-lokayukta/|title=Apex court upholds Justice Mehta's appointment as Gujarat Lokayukta|publisher=TEHELKA|access-date=7 July 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714205209/http://www.tehelka.com/apex-court-upholds-justice-mehtas-appointment-as-gujarat-lokayukta/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The courts dismissed Saxena's petition, holding that while "the governor is bound to act under the advice of the Council of Ministers," Mehta's appointment was valid as it was made in consultation with the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court. The post of Gujarat's Lokayukta, the state's anti-corruption ombudsman, had been vacant for over nine years before the Governor made efforts to initiate an appointment.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/setback-to-modi-as-supreme-court-upholds-lokayukta-appointment/article4264450.ece |title=Setback to Modi as Supreme Court upholds Lokayukta appointment |newspaper=The Hindu |publisher=TheHindu |date=3 January 2013 |access-date=7 July 2014 |last1=Venkatesan |first1=J. |archive-date=26 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326075645/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/setback-to-modi-as-supreme-court-upholds-lokayukta-appointment/article4264450.ece }}</ref>
===Later career=== Saxena was appointed as a "Member of University Court" of Jawaharlal Nehru University in 2019.<ref name="CNBC"/> In 2020, he was nominated as a member of the decision-making body of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research at the Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology.<ref name="CNBC"/>
Saxena later became associated with Kumarappa National Handmade Paper Institute (KNHPI).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/handmade-paper-from-white-currency-waste-launched/articleshow/92760512.cms|title=Handmade Paper From White Currency Waste Launched In Jaipur|date=9 July 2022|access-date=16 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001154545/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/handmade-paper-from-white-currency-waste-launched/articleshow/92760512.cms|agency=TNN|archive-date=1 October 2022|work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://papermart.in/knhpi-develops-handmade-paper-of-white-currency-waste/|title=KNHPI develops Handmade Paper from White Currency Waste|date=18 August 2022|access-date=16 July 2024|website=papermart.in|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908081503/https://papermart.in/knhpi-develops-handmade-paper-of-white-currency-waste/|archive-date=8 September 2022}}</ref>
==Chairman of KVIC== In 2015, Vinai was appointed chairperson of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC),<ref name="Profile"/><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-21|title=Tribunal bars unauthorised use of Khadi brand name|url=https://www.indiaretailing.com/2021/05/21/fashion/tribunal-bars-unauthorised-use-of-khadi-brand-name/|access-date=2021-05-23|website=Indiaretailing.com|language=en-US|archive-date=23 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523044550/https://www.indiaretailing.com/2021/05/21/fashion/tribunal-bars-unauthorised-use-of-khadi-brand-name/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|agency=PTI|date=2021-05-20|title='Khadi', 'Khadi India' not generic names, rules tribunal|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/khadi-khadi-india-not-generic-names-rules-tribunal/article34603078.ece|access-date=2021-05-23|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=23 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523044549/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/khadi-khadi-india-not-generic-names-rules-tribunal/article34603078.ece}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=MPost|date=2021-05-20|title=KVIC: Court bars individuals/cos from using 'Khadi' brand name without authorisation|url=http://www.millenniumpost.in/business/kvic-court-bars-individualscos-from-using-khadi-brand-name-without-authorisation-440669|access-date=2021-05-23|website=millenniumpost.in|language=en|archive-date=23 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523044558/http://www.millenniumpost.in/business/kvic-court-bars-individualscos-from-using-khadi-brand-name-without-authorisation-440669}}</ref> an organization responsible for promoting rural employment and small-scale industries in India.<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 May 2022|title=New Delhi LG V.K. Saxena: The man who made Khadi Commission grew by massive 248%|url=https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=961408|access-date=26 August 2022|website=daijiworld.com|publisher=Daiji World News|agency=IANS|language=en-US|archive-date=25 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625190545/https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=961408|location=New Delhi}}</ref> During his tenure, KVIC introduced several product, including plastic-mixed handmade paper and Khadi Prakritik Paint, a wall paint made from cow dung that later received a patent from the Government of India in September 2022.<ref name="Profile"/><ref name="Mint">{{cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/kvic-turnover-crosses-rs-1-lakh-crore-in-2021-22-beats-all-indian-fmcg-cos-11651310719703.html|title=KVIC turnover crosses ₹1 lakh crore in 2021–22, beats all Indian FMCG cos|date=30 April 2022|access-date=3 August 2023|location=New Delhi|website=livemint.com|publisher=The Live Mint|archive-date=9 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109101149/https://www.livemint.com/industry/kvic-turnover-crosses-rs-1-lakh-crore-in-2021-22-beats-all-indian-fmcg-cos-11651310719703.html}}</ref>
In 2017–18, the organization recorded a 13 percent increase in sales, and in 2018–19, revenues rose by more than 25 percent to nearly ₹75,000 crore.<ref name="KVIC">{{cite web |date=16 August 2019 |title=Honey Mission News — Papad, cosmetics, honey push Khadi Commission sales up 25% to Rs.75, 000 crore |url=https://www.kvic.gov.in/kvicres/newhm/hmnewspagination.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803164527/https://www.kvic.gov.in/kvicres/newhm/hmnewspagination.html |archive-date=3 August 2023 |access-date=26 December 2022 |website=kvic.gov.in |publisher=Khadi and Village Industries Commission |agency=TNN}}</ref> In 2021–22, KVIC reported a turnover of ₹1.15 lakh crore, the highest in its history.<ref>{{cite web|work=The Print|date=5 August 2022|access-date=26 April 2025|first1=Abhishek|last1=Dey|title="Tussauds to Patkar & now AAP, Delhi L-G VK Saxena is an 'activist' with many 'wins' to his name"|url=https://theprint.in/india/governance/tussauds-to-patkar-now-aap-delhi-l-g-vk-saxena-is-an-activist-with-many-wins-to-his-name/1069397/|archive-date=13 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913200032/https://theprint.in/india/governance/tussauds-to-patkar-now-aap-delhi-l-g-vk-saxena-is-an-activist-with-many-wins-to-his-name/1069397/}}</ref>
[[File:Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, the Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (IC), Shri Giriraj Singh and the Chairman, KVIC, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena at the ‘Khadi Fashion Show’.JPG|thumb|Saxena (in red) at the Khadi Fashion Show during the International SME convention 2018, in New Delhi]] During Saxena's chairmanship, KVIC signed agreements with several major textile companies, including Raymond Group, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail, and Arvind Mills, to promote and market khadi products in India and overseas.<ref name="Rediff"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/kvic-takes-big-steps-to-widen-base-of-khadi-garment-consumers-117052301484_1.html|title=KVIC takes big steps to widen base of khadi garment consumers|date=23 May 2017|location=New Delhi|agency=Press Trust of India|work=The Business Standard|access-date=26 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523163428/http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/kvic-takes-big-steps-to-widen-base-of-khadi-garment-consumers-117052301484_1.html|archive-date=23 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons-products/garments-/-textiles/arvind-ltd-to-buy-denim-khadi-from-khadi-and-village-industries-commission/articleshow/59714404.cms|title=Arvind Ltd to buy Denim khadi from Khadi and Village Industries Commission|date=22 July 2017|location=New Delhi|agency=Press Trust of India|work=The Economic Times|access-date=26 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018102016/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons-products/garments-/-textiles/arvind-ltd-to-buy-denim-khadi-from-khadi-and-village-industries-commission/articleshow/59714404.cms|archive-date=18 October 2018}}</ref>
==Sustainable habitat initiatives==
===Plantation drive=== During Saxena's tenure as Chairperson of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) from 2015 to 2022, the organisation launched several environmental initiatives.<ref name="Habitat">{{cite web|url=https://lg.delhi.gov.in/sites/default/files/publication/striving_for_a_sustainable_habitat_0.pdf|title=Striving for a sustainable habitat: The ongoing journey of Delhi Lt. Vinai Kumar Saxena|archive-date=15 July 2024|work=lg.delhi.gov.in|access-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715110310/https://lg.delhi.gov.in/sites/default/files/publication/striving_for_a_sustainable_habitat_0.pdf}}</ref> These included a nationwide campaign for the plantation of ''Moringa oleifera''—approximately 45,000 trees—in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Delhi. The campaign was intended to promote beekeeping and raise awareness about the plant's nutritional and medicinal properties.<ref name="Habitat"/>
In 2021, he launched Project BOLD ("Bamboo Oasis on Lands in Drought") to establish bamboo plantations in arid and semi-arid areas of India.<ref name="Habitat" /> Under the project, around 31,000 bamboo saplings were planted over 42.47 lakh square feet across regions such as Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Leh, Ladakh, Goa, Gujarat, Varanasi, and Jammu.<ref name="Habitat" />
==Lieutenant Governorships (2022- present)== thumb|Saxena in January 2023 On 23 May 2022, Saxena was appointed the Lieutenant Governor of National Capital Territory of Delhi by the President of India,<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 May 2022 |title=Khadi commission head Vinai Kumar Saxena is Delhi's new Lieutenant Governor |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/vinai-kumar-saxena-new-lieutenant-governor-delhi-7932386/ |access-date=25 May 2022 |work=The Indian Express |archive-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524234651/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/vinai-kumar-saxena-new-lieutenant-governor-delhi-7932386/ }}</ref><ref name="telegraphindia">{{cite news |agency=PTI |date=26 May 2022 |title=Vinai Kumar Saxena takes oath as 22nd Lt Governor of Delhi |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/vinai-kumar-saxena-takes-oath-as-22nd-lt-governor-of-delhi/cid/1866969 |access-date=28 May 2022 |work=The Telegraph |archive-date=28 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528081009/https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/vinai-kumar-saxena-takes-oath-as-22nd-lt-governor-of-delhi/cid/1866969 }}</ref> becoming the maiden corporate individual ever selected for a gubernatorial post.<ref>{{cite web|title=Meet Delhi's new LG: First corporate man on such a gubernatorial post who holds a pilot's license|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/meet-delhi-s-new-lg-vinai-kumar-saxena-first-corporate-man-on-such-a-gubernatorial-post-who-holds-a-pilot-s-license-11653360110193.html|website=livemint.com|date=24 May 2022 |publisher=The Live Mint|location=New Delhi|access-date=24 May 2022|archive-date=24 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524040217/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/meet-delhi-s-new-lg-vinai-kumar-saxena-first-corporate-man-on-such-a-gubernatorial-post-who-holds-a-pilot-s-license-11653360110193.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/kvicindia/status/1528773221436096512|title=A proud moment for the whole KVIC. Incumbent Chairman of KVIC Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena has been appointed as the Lieutenant Governor of NCT of Delhi. He is the first corporate man ever selected for such gubernatorial post.|date=23 May 2022|access-date=3 August 2023|website=Twitter.com (@kvicindia) – Khadi India Official|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523162235/https://twitter.com/kvicindia/status/1528773221436096512|archive-date=23 May 2022}}</ref><ref name="TOI">{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/meet-delhis-new-lg-vinai-kumar-saxena-a-kanpur-university-graduate-who-holds-a-pilots-licence/articleshow/91752167.cms|title=Meet Delhi's new LG Vinai Kumar Saxena: A Kanpur University graduate who holds a pilot's licence|date=23 May 2022|access-date=24 May 2022|website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com|publisher=The Times of India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524041416/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/meet-delhis-new-lg-vinai-kumar-saxena-a-kanpur-university-graduate-who-holds-a-pilots-licence/articleshow/91752167.cms|archive-date=24 May 2022}}</ref> He succeeded Anil Baijal for the post, who was in office since 2016.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vinai Kumar Saxena is the new Lieutenant-Governor of Delhi |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/vinai-kumar-saxena-is-the-new-lieutenant-governor-of-delhi/article65454828.ece |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=thehindu.com |publisher=The Hindu |location=New Delhi |date=23 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902153003/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/vinai-kumar-saxena-is-the-new-lieutenant-governor-of-delhi/article65454828.ece |archive-date=2 September 2022 |language=en-IN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/Anil-Baijal-sworn-in-as-Delhi-Lieutenant-Governor/article16968516.ece |title=Anil Baijal sworn in as Delhi Lieutenant-Governor |newspaper=The Hindu |date=31 December 2016 |access-date=17 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250223205447/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/Anil-Baijal-sworn-in-as-Delhi-Lieutenant-Governor/article16968516.ece |archive-date=23 February 2025 }}</ref> In 2023, National Green Tribunal appointed Saxena as chairperson of a high-level committee on the Yamuna Rejuvenation Project, which is a part of Namami Gange Programme, but the appointment was stayed by an order of the Supreme Court of India in July of the same year.<ref>{{cite news |title=SC stays NGT order to appoint Delhi LG VK Saxena as Chairperson of Yamuna panel |first1=Nitin |last1=Kumar |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/delhi/delhi-sc-stays-ngt-order-to-appoint-lg-vinai-kumar-saxena-chairperson-yamuna-rejuvenation-project-panel-national-green-tribunal-aap-govt-2023-07-11-880460 |date=11 July 2023 |access-date=29 August 2023 |work=IndiaTVNews.com |archive-date=14 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714051224/https://www.indiatvnews.com/delhi/delhi-sc-stays-ngt-order-to-appoint-lg-vinai-kumar-saxena-chairperson-yamuna-rejuvenation-project-panel-national-green-tribunal-aap-govt-2023-07-11-880460 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Supreme Court stays NGT order appointing Delhi L-G VK Saxena as head of Yamuna panel |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/supreme-court-stays-ngt-order-appointing-delhi-lg-vk-saxena-as-head-of-yamuna-panel-8825759/lite/ |date=11 July 2023 |access-date=29 August 2023 |work=IndianExpress.com |archive-date=11 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711072225/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/supreme-court-stays-ngt-order-appointing-delhi-lg-vk-saxena-as-head-of-yamuna-panel-8825759/ }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=SC stays NGT order naming Delhi L-G as Yamuna panel head |url=https://legal.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/litigation/sc-stays-ngt-order-naming-delhi-l-g-as-yamuna-panel-head/101676231 |date=11 July 2023 |access-date=29 August 2023 |work=economictimes.indiatimes.com |agency=IANS |archive-date=21 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421165217/https://legal.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/litigation/sc-stays-ngt-order-naming-delhi-l-g-as-yamuna-panel-head/101676231 }}</ref>
On 20 February 2025, Saxena administered the oath of office to the newly elected CM of Delhi, Rekha Gupta, at the oath ceremony hosted in Ramlila Maidan.<ref>{{cite web |last1=KN Mishra |first1=Alok |date=20 February 2025 |title=Rekha Gupta sworn in as Delhi CM; six ministers take oath of office |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/rekha-gupta-sworn-in-as-delhi-cm-six-ministers-take-oath-of-office-101740037864206.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250220082906/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/rekha-gupta-sworn-in-as-delhi-cm-six-ministers-take-oath-of-office-101740037864206.html |archive-date=20 February 2025 |access-date=27 February 2025 |work=The Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=20 February 2025 |title=Rekha Gupta sworn in as Delhi's fourth woman chief minister in grand ceremony at Ramlila Maidan |url=https://ddnews.gov.in/en/rekha-gupta-sworn-in-as-delhi-chief-minister-becomes-4th-woman-cm-of-national-capital/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250220073206/https://ddnews.gov.in/en/rekha-gupta-sworn-in-as-delhi-chief-minister-becomes-4th-woman-cm-of-national-capital/ |archive-date=20 February 2025 |access-date=27 February 2025 |work=DD News}}</ref>
=== Allegations of partisan conduct, close relations with the BJP, and controversies === Saxena's tenure as Delhi's Lieutenant Governor has been marked by frequent clashes with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)–led elected government, whose dominance in the capital has long been a source of frustration and setback for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the state level. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who oversees the BJP, has often directed sharp jibes, critical remarks, and political retorts at Arvind Kejriwal, the former Chief Minister of Delhi and the national convener of the AAP.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-01-03 |title='Mai bhi koi sheesh mahal bana sakta tha': PM Modi's veiled dig at Kejriwal in Delhi |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/mai-bhi-koi-sheesh-mahal-bana-sakta-tha-pm-modis-veiled-dig-at-kejriwal-in-delhi/articleshow/116911300.cms |access-date=2025-11-02 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Desk |first=India Today News |date=2025-02-04 |title=Some focus on jacuzzi, stylish showers: In Parliament, PM targets Arvind Kejriwal |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pm-parliament-reply-thanks-arvind-kejriwal-jacuzzi-stylish-shower-har-ghar-jal-bjp-aap-2674717-2025-02-04 |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> Saxena shares close relations with Modi, often heaping him with praises and laudatory remarks.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-27 |title='Ek Matra Jugnoo...': Delhi LG Praises PM Modi With Inspirational Quote AT Times Now Summit 2024 {{!}} WATCH |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/viral/in-pm-modis-praise-delhi-l-g-recites-inspirational-quote-at-times-now-summit-2024-watch-article-108813785 |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=Times Now |language=en}}</ref> During his tenure as the chairperson of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Saxena commissioned the 2017 edition of KVIC's calendar and diaries prominently featuring Modi's photo, replacing that of Mahatma Gandhi, which stirred up a brouhaha.<ref>{{Cite web |last=PTI |date=2017-01-13 |title=KVIC chief VK Saxena defends PM Narendra Modi's photo on calendar, diary |url=https://news.abplive.com/news/india/kvic-chief-vk-saxena-defends-pm-modis-photo-on-calendar-diary-479280 |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=ABP Live |language=en}}</ref>
Against the backdrop of burgeoning crime against women, a problem for which Delhi incurs notoriety in particular, the Bus Marshal Scheme was introduced by the AAP-led Delhi Government in 2015, whereby appointed marshals safeguarded the security of women and children aboard the vast fleet of buses operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation. This move also prompted by the fact that the Delhi Government lacks authority over Delhi Police, which is exclusively controlled by the Union Home Ministry.<ref name="Jain">{{Cite web |last=Jain |first=Pankaj |date=2024-09-12 |title=Delhi Minister Atishi urges Lt Governor to reinstate bus marshals |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/delhi/story/delhi-news-aap-minister-atishi-lt-governor-vk-saxena-bus-marshals-2598233-2024-09-12 |access-date=2025-11-03 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>
In 2023, however, Saxena ordered the termination of all civil defence volunteers discharging duties as bus marshals, effectively dismantling a program meant to protect vulnerable commuters. Atishi, a member of the Delhi Council of Ministers, publicly urged Saxena to reinstate the program, but her plea was ignored.<ref name="Jain"/>
On 28 February 2024, Saxena suspended the Delhi Solar Policy 2024, which had been announced a month earlier by the AAP-led Delhi Government. The policy aimed to reduce electricity bills and promote solar energy usage by allowing consumers to sell excess power back to the grid for a commission. The suspension of the program drew criticism, particularly given Delhi's severe air pollution, one of the highest levels among major global cities.<ref>{{Cite news |last=ANI |date=2024-02-28 |title=Delhi LG Vinai Kumar Saxena suspends Delhi Solar Policy 2024 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhi-lg-vinai-kumar-saxena-suspends-delhi-solar-policy-2024/article67894772.ece |access-date=2025-11-03 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
In 2024, Saxena's office ordered the termination of 233 contractual staff working for the Delhi Commission for Women, a statutory body entrusted with the investigation and examination of all matters pertaining to the safety of women. Saxena claimed that their appointment was in "violation of the guidelines" of the Government of Delhi.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Scroll |date=2024-05-02 |title=LG Vinai Kumar Saxena approves sacking of 223 Delhi Commission for Women employees |url=https://scroll.in/latest/1067350/lg-vinai-kumar-saxena-approves-sacking-of-223-delhi-commission-for-women-employees |access-date=2025-11-03 |website=Scroll.in |language=en}}</ref>
Saxena has been accused of frequently acting on behalf of the Bharatiya Janata Party by interfering in the affairs of the Delhi Government, which was controlled by the BJP’s principal political rivals, the Aam Aadmi Party, until February 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=PTI |date=2022-06-04 |title=AAP accuses LG Vinai Kumar Saxena of 'interfering' in Delhi government's work, forgetting his remit |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2022/Jun/04/aap-accuses-lg-vinai-kumar-saxena-of-interfering-in-delhi-governments-work-forgetting-his-remit-2461805.html |access-date=2025-11-03 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
==== Erosion of Delhi Government powers through the LG Office ==== In the Government of NCT of Delhi v. Union of India lawsuit heard by the Supreme Court of India in 2018, the court ruled that the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi held no independent decision-making authority, and that the Governor, appointed by the Union Government, was obligated to follow the "aid and advice" of the elected Government of Delhi on all subjects except for those related to public order, policing, and land, domains over which the Home Ministry exercised exclusive jurisdiction owing to Delhi's distinct status as a federal territory. The judgment also stated that the elected legislature of Delhi was not required to seek the concurrence of the Lieutenant Governor over its decisions. This decision effectively upheld the paramountcy of the elected Delhi Government as the ultimate authority.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Lieutenant Governor and the NCT Delhi |url=https://www.scobserver.in/cases/nct-delhi-union-of-india-the-lieutenant-governor-and-the-nct-delhi-case-background/ |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=Supreme Court Observer |language=en-US}}</ref> In a bid to undermine the implications stemming from this judgement, the BJP-led Union Government introduced The Government of NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2021, on 24 March in the Rajya Sabha, which, upon passing a vote, was signed into law by President Kovind on March 28. Per the amendment, which modified the National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, any references to the term "Delhi Government" in any legislation or law ratified by the Delhi Legislative Assembly would now refer to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. The Union Government justified this move claiming it was necessary to ensure "complete synchronisation" between it and the Government of Delhi.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-04-28 |title=NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2021 comes into effect, now 'Government of Delhi means Lt Governor' |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/nct-of-delhi-amendment-act-2021-comes-into-effect-now-government-in-delhi-means-lt-governor/2241480/ |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=The Financial Express |language=en}}</ref> This amendment considerably diminished the Delhi Government's authority over administration, relegating it of the paramountcy it previously held by forcing it to seek the consent and opinion of the Lieutenant Governor before undertaking any executive action. The BJP was accused of undermining the mandate of the elected government, which was overseen by its political adversary, by usurping its power in favour of its own representative, an office not accountable to the public.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-04-04 |title=With the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2021, the Centre has usurped the Delhi government's powers |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/cover-story/power-by-proxy-centre-usurps-delhi-government-powers-with-the-government-of-national-capital-territory-of-delhi-gnctd-amendment-act-2021/article34232678.ece |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=Frontline |language=en}}</ref>
On 11 May 2023, the Supreme Court of India ruled in favour of the Delhi Government yet again on the subject of who held authority over the bureaucrats in the administration of services. The contention stemmed primarily from the interpretation of Article 239AA(3)(a) of the Indian Constitution, whose inclusion by the 69th Amendment of 1991 was spurred by the desires of the citizenry of Delhi to be conferred with statehood. The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, held that the legislature (elected government) has control over bureaucrats in administration of services and control over officers' transfer and posting except in matters of public order, police and land. The judgment re-established that power rested with the Government of Delhi, and that the bureaucrats of its administration were accountable to the elected Council of Ministers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=Business |title=What is Delhi Services Bill? How will it change the governance of Delhi? |url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/what-is-delhi-services-bill-how-will-it-change-the-governance-of-delhi-123080200557_1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802141223/https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/what-is-delhi-services-bill-how-will-it-change-the-governance-of-delhi-123080200557_1.html |archive-date=2 August 2023 |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=www.business-standard.com |language=en-US |url-status=live }}</ref> However, in another bid to circumvent the legal precedents established by this seminal verdict, the BJP-led Union Government retaliated by promulgating an ordinance—a temporary executive measure designed to sidestep scrutiny by courts and legislature—titled the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, that effectively grant the Lieutenant Governor primacy and overriding powers over the Delhi Government on the subject of bureaucracy. This ordinance entailed the establishment of the National Capital Civil Services Authority (NCCSA), whose sole purview is to authorise the transfer, posting, and initiation of disciplinary proceedings against bureaucrats. By constituting the NCCSA in such a fashion that its constitution favoured the Union Government, the Chief Minister of Delhi finds himself virtually outvoted by members beholden to the Union Government. This clever constitution of the NCCSA effectively strips the elected Government of Delhi over its powers previously re-instated by the 2023 Supreme Court judgement.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.isas.nus.edu.sg/papers/control-of-services-in-delhi-the-centre-counters-the-supreme-court/ |access-date=2025-11-03 |website=www.isas.nus.edu.sg}}</ref>
In the wake of its 2025 electoral win in the state elections in Delhi, the BJP-led Delhi Government petitioned the Supreme Court to withdraw all legal proceedings initiated by the outgoing AAP government against the Union Government and Lieutenant Governor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-24 |title=SC allows Delhi govt to withdraw cases filed during AAP rule against Centre, L-G |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/sc-allows-delhi-bjp-govt-to-withdraw-cases-against-centre-l-g-filed-under-aap-regime-10025127/ |access-date=2025-11-03 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> On 13 March 2026, he was sworn in as the Lieutenant governor of Ladakh.
==Personal life== Saxena was born and grew up in Banda, Uttar Pradesh.<ref name="Yamuna"/> In his autobiography, he wrote that he grew up on the banks of the Paishwani, a tributary of Yamuna river.<ref name="Yamuna"/> He is married to Sangita Saxena, who is an educationist and social worker based in New Delhi.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/police-families-stood-like-a-rock-behind-personnel-sangita-saxena-1503292940.html|title=Police families stood like a rock behind personnel: Sangita Saxena|website=The Statesman|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422163950/https://www.thestatesman.com/india/police-families-stood-like-a-rock-behind-personnel-sangita-saxena-1503292940.html|archive-date=22 April 2024|date=22 April 2024|access-date=15 July 2024}}</ref> Their daughter Shivangi Saxena is an interior designer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2022/09/01/delhi-lgs-daughter-designed-khadi-lounge-when-he-was-khadi-commission-chief|title=Delhi LG's daughter designed khadi lounge while he was khadi commission chief|work=newslaundry.com|access-date=29 January 2024|date=1 September 2022|first1=Prateek|last1=Goyal|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810035350/https://www.newslaundry.com/2022/09/01/delhi-lgs-daughter-designed-khadi-lounge-when-he-was-khadi-commission-chief|archive-date=10 August 2024}}</ref>
==Controversies== While serving as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders alleged Saxena's involvement in a khadi scam and money laundering amounting to ₹1,400 crore during his tenure as chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission.<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 Aug 2022 |title=AAP MLAs Allege Delhi Lt Governor Involved In Rs 1400 Crore "Khadi Scam" |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/in-2016-saxena-pressurised-his-employees-to-exchange-demonetised-notes-worth-rs-1400-cr-aap-3296051 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829095048/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/in-2016-saxena-pressurised-his-employees-to-exchange-demonetised-notes-worth-rs-1400-cr-aap-3296051 |archive-date=29 August 2022 |access-date=29 Aug 2022 |work=NDTV India |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Anand |first1=Jatin |date=29 August 2022 |title=Furore in Delhi Assembly over graft allegations against L-G |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/furore-in-delhi-assembly-over-graft-allegations-against-l-g/article65827028.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830030645/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/furore-in-delhi-assembly-over-graft-allegations-against-l-g/article65827028.ece |archive-date=30 August 2022 |access-date=30 August 2022 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN}}</ref> He denied the accusations, and issued legal notices to the AAP leaders.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-05 |title=Delhi Lieutenant Governor Sends Legal Notice To AAP Leaders For Defamation |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-lieutenant-governor-vk-saxena-sends-legal-notice-to-aap-leaders-for-defamation-3317613 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923090801/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-lieutenant-governor-vk-saxena-sends-legal-notice-to-aap-leaders-for-defamation-3317613 |archive-date=23 September 2022 |access-date=2022-09-23 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> The Delhi High Court granted Saxena interim relief, directing AAP to remove defamatory posts from social media.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-27 |title=Delhi HC asks AAP leaders to take down posts defaming Lieutenant Governor |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/delhi-hc-passes-interim-order-in-favour-of-lg-after-he-alleged-defamation-101664256926989.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928165422/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/delhi-hc-passes-interim-order-in-favour-of-lg-after-he-alleged-defamation-101664256926989.html |archive-date=28 September 2022 |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jha |first=Prashant |title=No material to substantiate AAP's allegations that Delhi LG Vinai Kumar Saxena was involved in ₹1,400 crore corruption: Delhi High Court |url=https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/no-material-substantiate-delhi-lg-vinai-kumar-saxena-involved-1400-corruption-delhi-high-court |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803083110/https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/no-material-substantiate-delhi-lg-vinai-kumar-saxena-involved-1400-corruption-delhi-high-court |archive-date=3 August 2023 |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=Bar and Bench — Indian Legal news |date=27 September 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
The Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, accused Saxena of approving the Delhi Excise Policy (2021–22) introduced by the Delhi Government without raising concerns about the opening of outlets in unauthorized areas, alleging that Saxena changed his position according to evolving circumstances.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-23 |title=Delhi Excise Policy: NDMC to Bring Censure Motion in Aug 24 Meeting |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/delhi-excise-policy-ndmc-to-bring-censure-motion-in-aug-24-meeting-5808931.html |access-date=2022-09-06 |website=News18 |language=en |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103112902/https://www.news18.com/news/india/delhi-excise-policy-ndmc-to-bring-censure-motion-in-aug-24-meeting-5808931.html }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-08-06 |title=Delhi Excise Policy {{!}} Aam Aadmi Party alleges 'corruption' in change of decision by Centre's LG; seeks CBI probe |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhi-excise-policy-aam-aadmi-party-alleges-corruption-in-change-of-decision-by-centres-lg-seeks-cbi-probe/article65735648.ece |access-date=2022-09-06 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103112845/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhi-excise-policy-aam-aadmi-party-alleges-corruption-in-change-of-decision-by-centres-lg-seeks-cbi-probe/article65735648.ece }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-31 |title=Explained: All about Delhi reverting to its old liquor policy from Sept 1 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-delhi-reverting-its-old-liquor-policy-from-sept-1-8123219/ |access-date=2022-09-06 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103114826/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-delhi-reverting-its-old-liquor-policy-from-sept-1-8123219/ }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Munish Chandra |last=Pandey |date=August 25, 2022 |title=High on liquor policy: Retail margins up by 989 per cent under Delhi's new excise rules, show probe papers |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/retail-margins-up-under-delhi-new-excise-rules-show-probe-papers-1992484-2022-08-25 |access-date=2022-09-06 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103112844/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/retail-margins-up-under-delhi-new-excise-rules-show-probe-papers-1992484-2022-08-25 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-05 |title=Delhi L-G Saxena sends legal notice to AAP leaders for defamation |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/delhi-l-g-saxena-sends-legal-notice-to-aap-leaders-for-defamation-101662384484228.html |access-date=2022-09-06 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103143900/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/delhi-l-g-saxena-sends-legal-notice-to-aap-leaders-for-defamation-101662384484228.html }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Zee News: Latest News, Live Breaking News, Today News, India Political News Updates |url=https://zeenews.india.com/video/india/delhi-lt-governor-sends-legal-notice-to-aap-leaders-2506308.html |access-date=2022-09-06 |website=Zee News |language=en |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103112845/https://zeenews.india.com/video/india/delhi-lt-governor-sends-legal-notice-to-aap-leaders-2506308.html }}</ref> After assuming office in 2022, Saxena recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the Delhi liquor scam.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/kejriwal-s-arrest-latest-in-liquor-policy-scam-who-else-is-behind-bars-124032200367_1.html|title=Kejriwal's arrest latest in liquor policy 'scam': Who else is behind bars?|date=22 March 2024|access-date=27 March 2024|work=business-standard.com|location=New Delhi|first1=Nisha|last1=Anand}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Delhi excise policy: ED issues 9th summons to CM Arvind Kejriwal |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/delhi-excise-policy-ed-issues-9th-summons-to-arvind-kejriwal-101710647199168.html |work=Hindustan Times |date=17 March 2024 |access-date=24 March 2024 |archive-date=23 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323170150/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/delhi-excise-policy-ed-issues-9th-summons-to-arvind-kejriwal-101710647199168.html }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Arvind Kejriwal Arrested. He Skipped Summons 9 Times. See Details |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-arrested-he-skipped-summons-9-times-see-details-5284875 |work=NDTV |date=21 March 2024 |access-date=24 March 2024 |archive-date=23 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323170149/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-arrested-he-skipped-summons-9-times-see-details-5284875 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kakkar |first1=Shruti |date=20 March 2024 |title="Why don't you appear on receiving ED summons": Delhi HC asks Arvind Kejriwal |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/why-don-t-you-appear-on-receiving-ed-summons-delhi-hc-asks-arvind-kejriwal-101710918644418.html |work=Hindustan Times |access-date=24 March 2024 |archive-date=23 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323171519/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/why-don-t-you-appear-on-receiving-ed-summons-delhi-hc-asks-arvind-kejriwal-101710918644418.html }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Joseph |first1=Manu |date=24 March 2024 |title=Why the arrest of Kejriwal may have big consequences |url=https://www.livemint.com/opinion/online-views/why-the-arrest-of-kejriwal-may-have-big-consequences-11711283051976.html |work=Mint |access-date=26 March 2024 |archive-date=25 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325144438/https://www.livemint.com/opinion/online-views/why-the-arrest-of-kejriwal-may-have-big-consequences-11711283051976.html }}</ref>
On 16 March 2023, AAP politician Sanjay Singh released a video, accusing Saxena of "leading a violent mob" against activist and later AAP candidate Medha Patkar in 2002 at Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Delhi LG VK Saxena had led mob against Medha Patkar, alleges AAP |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-lg-vk-saxena-had-led-mob-against-medha-patkar-alleges-aap/articleshow/98718246.cms |access-date=2024-05-21 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=21 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521190401/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-lg-vk-saxena-had-led-mob-against-medha-patkar-alleges-aap/amp_articleshow/98718246.cms }}</ref> The case remains sub-judice, with Saxena named as an accused.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jha, DHNS |first=Satish |title=Patkar attack video was to malign me: Delhi L-G |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/patkar-attack-video-was-to-malign-me-delhi-l-g-1209077.html |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en |archive-date=21 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521191138/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/patkar-attack-video-was-to-malign-me-delhi-l-g-1209077.html }}</ref>
==Work(s)== ===Autobiography=== * ''Racing to Restore: the Yamuna Memoir'' (December 2023)<ref name="Yamuna">{{cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/review/books/2023/12/31/the-yamuna-memoir-from-an-admirer-of-the-river-to-its-custodian.html|title=V.K. Saxena's Yamuna memoir: From an admirer of the river to its custodian|first1=Mohit|last1=Sharma|archive-date=29 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229123922/https://www.theweek.in/review/books/2023/12/31/the-yamuna-memoir-from-an-admirer-of-the-river-to-its-custodian.html|date=31 December 2023|access-date=15 July 2024|work=The Week}}</ref>
==See also== * List of lieutenant governors of Delhi * Third Kejriwal ministry
==References== ===General sources=== {{Reflist}}
===Further reading=== {{refbegin|30em|indent=yes}} *{{cite web|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/the-nation/article30159743.ece/|title=Against a people's movement|date=21 July 2001|access-date=26 November 2022|first=Ashish|last=Kothari|website=frontline.thehindu.com|agency=The Hindu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803144651/https://frontline.thehindu.com/the-nation/article30159743.ece|archive-date=3 August 2023}} *{{Cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/the-making-of-a-capital-state/story-ErqSapmhJMx8mFuYaRM8CN.html|title=The making of a capital state|last=Mathur|first=Atul|date=7 December 2011|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=27 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113165738/https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/the-making-of-a-capital-state/story-ErqSapmhJMx8mFuYaRM8CN.html|archive-date=13 November 2018|location=Delhi|issn=0972-0243|oclc=231696742}} *{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/l-g-releases-book-on-unsung-heroes-of-freedom-movement/article65791817.ece|title=L-G releases book on unsung heroes of freedom movement|date=21 August 2022|access-date=26 September 2022|website=thehindu.com|publisher=The Hindu|location=New Delhi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902044342/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/l-g-releases-book-on-unsung-heroes-of-freedom-movement/article65791817.ece|archive-date=2 September 2022}} *{{cite web|url=https://www.et-gbs.com/gbs2020/speakers/vinai-kumar-saxena/|title=GBS 2020 — Speakers — Vinai Kumar Saxena [Chairman, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) in India]|website=et-gbs.com|publisher=Global Business Summit|date=2020|access-date=6 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922072945/https://www.et-gbs.com/gbs2020/speakers/vinai-kumar-saxena/|archive-date=22 September 2020}} *{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/court-suspends-medha-patkars-sentence-in-defamation-case-filed-by-former-delhi-l-g-vk-saxena/article68460458.ece|title=Court suspends Medha Patkar's sentence in defamation case filed by former Delhi L-G V.K. Saxena|date=29 July 2024|work=The Hindu|access-date=1 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240801144014/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/court-suspends-medha-patkars-sentence-in-defamation-case-filed-by-former-delhi-l-g-vk-saxena/article68460458.ece|location=New Delhi|archive-date=1 August 2024}} *{{cite web|url=https://thewire.in/law/medha-patkar-gets-bail-in-2001-defamation-case-heres-what-the-complaint-was-about|title=Medha Patkar Gets Bail in 2001 Defamation Case: Here's What the Complaint Was About|date=30 July 2024|work=The Wire|access-date=1 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240801143654/https://m.thewire.in/article/law/medha-patkar-gets-bail-in-2001-defamation-case-heres-what-the-complaint-was-about|location=New Delhi|archive-date=1 August 2024}} {{Refend}}
==External links== {{Commons category}} * {{official website|https://delhi.gov.in/lt-governor-office|Profile of Vinai Kumar Saxena}} at the Government of Delhi official website * [https://twitter.com/LtGovDelhi Lieutenant Governor of Delhi] on Twitter {{Portal bar|India|Biography|Business|Climate change}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Saxena, Vinai Kumar}} Category:Indian civil rights activists Category:Lieutenant governors of Delhi Category:Living people Category:1958 births Category:Lists of people from Uttar Pradesh Category:Indian social reformers Category:Indian anti-corruption activists Category:Social workers from Uttar Pradesh Category:Indian conservationists Category:Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University alumni